It’s that time of year when we start to see the re-emergence of those sneaky bulb weeds, such as watsonia, three-cornered garlic and cape tulip. Controlling them before they flower is ideal, as this prevents them from developing bulblets and spreading further. There are multiple control methods available, but care must be taken, as their growth cycles often coincide with sensitive native plants such as orchids and lilies.

On-farm, some species such as cape tulip are toxic to livestock, so it’s important to monitor stock entering or grazing paddocks where infestations are present.

Please make sure you correctly identify the species before undertaking any control. Although control by hand can be difficult, it is a suitable method for the odd plant or small patches growing in bushland, as it avoids the need for herbicide use in sensitive areas. For further information on controlling common bulb weeds, see the fact sheets below.